Jan 11, multiple band students competed at the Association of Texas Small School Bands ( ATSSB) Area A competition in Argyle and three students qualified for state–the most in school history.

“It’s very exciting,” Director of Bands Jerry Whorton said. “For the first time in school history, we had a double reed and percussionist qualify. We had to beat out a lot of tough schools for those spots.”

More than 10,000 high school band students across the state audition in 22 different regions for a place in their respective regional bands. From there, the top chairs in each region, around 3,000 students, advance to one of the five areas where only 280 students are selected for the All-State Band.

“It’s a big deal and they worked hard for it,” Whorton said.

TMEA All-State Band Students include Dasha Stepanova on flute, Emma Piyakhun on oboe, and Jack Griset on percussion.

“Being an ‘all-stater’ is something that has been a goal of mine all through high school,” senior oboist Emma Piyakhun said. “So having accomplished it my senior year is super exciting.”

These students will attend and compete at the annual Texas Music Educators’ Association (TMEA) music convention and will perform Sat., Feb. 5, at 9:00 at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. Dr. David F. Wilborn of Texas A&M University will be the clinician-conductor of the All-State Concert Band and Eugene Corporon of North Texas University will be the clinician-conductor of the All-State Symphonic Band.